Palestinian government ready to do its utmost for halting violence

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat and his accompanying delegation.

Following the meeting, Minister of Information Safwat A1 Sherif said the two leaders exchanged views on the results of talks between the Palestinian National Authority and Israeli Foreign Ministry officials and between the Palestinian government and the US State Department.

The Minister of Information said the two leaders exchanged views on the steps to be taken for putting an end to the deterioration of the situation.

Meantime, Osama A1 Baz, the Presidential Political Advisor said after bidding farewell to President Arafat that the Palestinian leader briefed the President on the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories.

He said the Palestinian government and Palestinian people are eager to reach peace and in order to achieve this end, they are prepared to do their utmost efforts for halting violence. He said they hope that Israelis would agree to do the same thing according to Sharm E1 Sheikh memo of understanding.